Looking for the best milkshakes in Columbia, SC? Look no further! In this article, we will take you on a milkshake journey, highlighting the top 12 must-try locations in the city. Whether you're a fan of classic flavors or crave unique and inventive combinations, Columbia has a variety of places that will satisfy your milkshake cravings.
From the delightful creations at Sweet Cream Co. to the nostalgic milkshakes at Mack's Cash Grocery, and the refreshing treats at Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, this list has got you covered.
Jump to places
- Sweet Cream Co.
- Cook Out
- Five Guys
- Zesto of West Columbia
- The Baked Bear
- Grill Marks - COLA
- Rosewood Dairy Bar
- Zesto
- Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
- ICEE Hut
- Sonic Drive-In
- McDonald's
Sweet Cream Co. is an acclaimed outpost for sophisticated ice cream treats, plus cakes, coffee, and artisanal sodas. Guests have praised the café's cozy and well-lit atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for enjoying ice cream and desserts. The accommodating staff at Sweet Cream Co.
have been commended for patiently offering taste samples to visitors. One reviewer was captivated by the flavors and the unique names of the ice cream options. They even mentioned that the cherry cola flavor tastes similar to Dr. Pepper, which adds to its appeal.
Another satisfied visitor recommended going on a Sunday evening when the café is less crowded. With their in-house made ice cream, Sweet Cream Co. is known for its good creamy and authentic taste. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to ask for samples if they are unsure about the flavors, ensuring a pleasant and delightful experience.

Cook Out is a local restaurant that is definitely worth a visit. With its extensive menu and affordable prices, it's a rare find that offers such a fantastic range of options. People say that Cook Out is the epitome of ideal fast food, and it provides an extraordinary variety of more than 40 milkshake flavors.
Visitors have mentioned that the service at Cook Out is consistently exceptional, regardless of the time of day. Whether you visit during a quiet noon hour or a bustling midnight, the speed of service remains impressively consistent. Additionally, guests rave about the Cajun seasoning, which adds a flavorful kick to their meals.
Although some reviewers have noted that the service can be slow, the friendly staff always makes up for it. One visitor even claimed that Cook Out serves the best milkshakes in the world and is a must-stop whenever they are in the Carolinas. However, it's important to note that, on occasion, there may be hiccups with orders, as one reviewer experienced an incorrect order and undercooked chicken.
Despite this, Cook Out remains a popular choice for its delicious food and vast milkshake selection.

Five Guys is a popular meal takeaway that is definitely worth visiting. People say that the customer service at Five Guys is fantastic, with friendly and helpful staff. Visitors have mentioned that the employees, such as Amy and Cupcake, go above and beyond to provide a pleasant dining experience.
One reviewer even gave the location five stars specifically for the exceptional customer service they received. In addition to the outstanding service, guests have raved about the delicious food. The burgers are made-to-order and can be customized to enhance their flavors.
The fries, especially the large Cajun fries, are also highly recommended by visitors. With its convenient location in the Vista, Five Guys is a must-try for anyone looking for a delectable meal and top-notch service.

Zesto of West Columbia is a hidden gem that visitors cannot afford to miss. This old-school ice cream parlor and burger shop has been delighting guests since 1949 with its delectable offerings. People say that you simply cannot go wrong with Zesto, and it's easy to see why.
Their mouth-watering fried chicken is out of this world, making it a must-try dish on their menu. Additionally, guests rave about their hot dog topped with chili, which is widely regarded as the best in town. And let's not forget their incredible milkshakes - some of the creamiest soft serve you will ever taste.
Apart from the amazing food, Zesto of West Columbia also stands out for its friendly and accommodating staff, providing fast and pleasant service. It's a place where you can enjoy a tasty meal and feel right at home. Visitors love the welcoming atmosphere and appreciate the helpfulness of the entire Zesto family.
With its rich history and delicious offerings, Zesto of West Columbia definitely deserves a spot on your must-visit list when you're in town.

The Baked Bear is definitely worth visiting for a milkshake in Columbia. Visitors have raved about the unique dessert experience and the nice atmosphere of this small bakery. One of the highlights is being able to choose from two different cookies for the milkshake sandwich, which guests find awesome.
Another great feature is the hot press, which adds an extra touch to the dessert. People have mentioned how extremely polite and kind the employee at The Baked Bear was during their visit. A reviewer describes their late night dessert experience as perfect, with freshly baked cookie monster cookies paired with blackberry crumble ice cream.
The soft chewy interior and crunchy exterior of the cookies, coupled with the refreshing berry flavor of the ice cream, left a lasting impression. Visitors also appreciate the provision of paper plates and spoons, which helped prevent any messy ice cream situations.
While The Baked Bear is primarily known for their delightful array of cookies, the brownies have received high praise as well, with one reviewer noting them as better than any of the cookies. The bear batter ice cream was a standout favorite for one guest.
Although The Baked Bear can get busy, guests agree that the wait is completely worth it.

Grill Marks - COLA is a bar that is definitely worth visiting in Columbia, SC. People say that this place offers a unique dining experience with an array of mouthwatering options. Visitors mentioned that their smash burger is absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked, and truly satisfying.
Alongside their juicy burgers, guests also rave about their sweet potato fries and fat fries, which are good but not outstanding. One reviewer mentioned that even their gluten-free options, such as the burger and wings, were incredibly flavorful and enjoyable.
Hannah, one of the staff members, received praise for her excellent service, providing recommendations and even offering a taste of draft beer to help with a decision. With its great-tasting burgers, attentive staff, and welcoming atmosphere, Grill Marks - COLA is definitely a place to consider for a memorable dining experience.

Located on a quaint roadside stand, Rosewood Dairy Bar offers a delightful dining experience that locals and visitors alike rave about. Visitors can expect fast, accurate, and piping hot food, ensuring a satisfying meal every time. The customer service at this charming restaurant is top-notch, with a helpful staff that goes the extra mile to assist patrons in choosing their orders.
The chili cheese dog is a fan favorite, with its perfect combination of toppings including chili, onions, and mustard. Guests can also indulge in the cheeseburger basket, a scrumptious option that is sure to satisfy any hunger. However, it is the milkshakes at Rosewood Dairy Bar that steal the show.
People consistently praise the milkshakes for their impeccable consistency, not being too thick or too thin. And the medium peanut butter fudge milkshake is nothing short of divine, leaving customers craving for more. With its delectable food, friendly service, and tempting milkshakes, Rosewood Dairy Bar is a must-visit for anyone in search of a delightful dining experience.

Zesto is a local restaurant that has gained a reputation for its mouthwatering milkshakes and delectable food. People say that the milkshakes at Zesto are simply out of this world. Visitors rave about the creamy texture and rich flavors that their milkshakes offer.
But Zesto is not just about the milkshakes; guests are also in for a treat when it comes to the food. One reviewer mentioned that the food was delicious and came in a greasy white box, which added a special touch to the experience. Another reviewer expressed how pleasantly surprised they were with the phenomenal taste of the food, vowing to return when in the area.
Not only is the food flavorful, but it is also made to order and consistently good. Plus, the workers at Zesto are known for their pleasant and direct attitude. With reasonable prices and quality that surpasses many fast-food chains, Zesto is a go-to destination for anyone craving American comfort food.

Italian ices & frozen custards star at Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, a counter-serve chain that has gained popularity for its range of cold treats. Guests who have stumbled upon this location have been pleasantly surprised by the delightful offerings.
One visitor couldn't resist trying the small cotton candy Italian ice and found it to be both delicious and refreshing, making it the perfect indulgence for a warm day. Another enthused visitor suggests opting for a large size since it's only a few cents more than the small, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
Additionally, the chocolate ice cream served in a cake cone has been hailed as some of the best in town. For a delightful frozen treat experience in Columbia, be sure to visit Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard.

Sonic Drive-In is definitely worth a visit for milkshake enthusiasts. This fast-food burger and fries joint offers an old-school feel with its retro drive-in service, which adds to the overall experience. Visitors praise the pleasant and friendly staff, with one guest mentioning a particular employee named Andrew who consistently provides excellent service.
Another reviewer commended the dedication of a young lady who took their order even after her shift had ended, ensuring they received their food before clocking out. The cleanliness of the establishment is also highly regarded by people who have visited.
Although one reviewer had a disappointing experience with the boneless wings, which they described as small pieces of breading with minimal BBQ sauce, overall, Sonic Drive-In is a popular spot for milkshake lovers who appreciate friendly service and a nostalgic atmosphere.

